Chlamydia Alerts in 11 States

Two regions and 11 states geographically dispersed across the United States are reporting significantly higher incidences of chlamydia compared to Ascel Bio forecasts. Warnings are being issued for Kansas, Maine, New Hampshire, and North Dakota, as actual case counts were more than 2 standard deviations above forecasted case counts in the week ending January 22nd, 2017. The states reporting the highest number of cases that week include Texas, Louisiana, South Carolina, Delaware, and New Hampshire.

USA – NATIONAL LEVEL REPORTS OF CHLAMYDIA – 1/22/2017

Chlamydia is a sexually transmitted disease that is easily treated and cured if diagnosed soon after infection. Infections go undetected because they often have no symptoms, particularly in men. Untreated chlamydia increases the risk of risk pelvic inflammation, ectopic pregnancy, and a woman’s chance of infertility. Spread can be prevented using condoms.

KANSAS – STATE LEVEL CHLAMYDIA FORECAST

Chlamydia is the most frequently reported bacterial sexually transmitted infection in the United States. Most chlamydia and sexually transmitted disease affect the young (24 and under) at double the rate of the rest of the sexually active population. Rates of infection among non-Hispanic black youth are reported at more than 5 times that of non-Hispanic whites.

The U.S. Center for Disease Control and Prevention, (CDC) estimates there are more than 110 million total sexually transmitted infections in the nation. CDC analysis suggests there are more than 20 million new sexually transmitted infections each year, and the cost is more than $16 billion in direct medical costs.

The U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) in 2016 issued recommendations on behavioral counseling to prevent sexually transmitted infections (STIs). They concluded there “is inadequate evidence to determine the optimal interval for repeat screening; clinicians should rescreen patients when their sexual history reveals new or persistent risk factors.” These recommendations come as home testing kits are commonly available in retail drug stores. Clinicians may expect more patients to have tested before coming for counselling and treatment.

Health authorities including the World Health Organization and CDC have noted that antibiotic resistant strains of STIs are rising globally. Strains of multidrug-resistant gonorrhea that do not respond to any available antibiotics have already been detected. Antibiotic resistance to chlamydia is less prevalent, but is growing, but has yet to be characterized around the world. Practicing safe sex with condoms is the best prevention.